The Knights finally ended a 19-match winless streak by securing an eight-point win over the gallant but injury-ravaged Titans this afternoon.
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Final score
Newcastle Knights 34
Gold Coast Titans 26
The Newcastle Knights battled hard last week and will fancy their chances of securing their first win of the season when they host the Gold Coast Titans. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 3pm (AEDT).
Newcastle pushed the Warriors all the way last week before succumbing by four points, in an entertaining contest away from home.
Despite the defeat, there was a lot to like for Knights fans, as their team toiled hard in the second half to overturn what appeared an insurmountable Warriors lead.
Although the two competition points slipped from grasp, Knights coach Nathan Brown has some momentum to work with heading into today’s home game against a Titans side well outplayed by the Sydney Roosters last week.
Even with Jarryd Hayne and Kevin Proctor in their ranks, Gold Coast were ambushed by the Roosters at home, trailing 28-nil at the break, effectively killing off their chances of victory, despite a spirited fightback in the second half.
While the Titans did claw their way back, the Roosters eventually finished the job to secure a thoroughly deserved 32-18 victory.
Since that defeat, Hayne’s commitment to the Titans cause has been called into question given his lack of fitness and effort, despite scoring a try in the second half.
Indeed, Hayne was supposedly dropped from the Titans’ leadership group as a result of his lack of fitness, and Newcastle could well feel the brunt of these stories.
At his best, Hayne can offer the Titans the x-factor required to be worthy of a finals spot. If he fails to find form however, it spells trouble for the club on and off the field.
Prediction
The Titans at their best will defeat the Knights, particularly if Hayne improves in form. Anything less however and Newcastle should secure the two points if they can build on the strong second half performance against the Warriors.
Knights by 6
Alan
Roar Guru
The Knights finally end a 19 match winless streak by securing an eight point win over the gallant but injury ravaged Titans this afternoon. The Knights raced out to a 12 nil lead and looked very comfortable, but the Titans to their credit didn't give in and recovered well to lead 26-22 late in the second half despite only having one man on their bench. Newcastle though sensed that the Titans were tiring as some poor errors gifted the Knights field position that they would never relinquish as Ross and Mata'utia scored two late tries to seal the two competition points for the home side. It was an admirable effort from the Titans but the cost of this defeat is high with Hayne, Don and Lawton suffering what appear to be serious injuries. The Knights meanwhile are back in the winner's circle and they are a team that is not worth underestimating anymore... Knights 34 Titans 26
Alan
Roar Guru
FULLTIME Knights 34 Titans 26
Alan
Roar Guru
79' - Knights string passes together down the left and Ross steps back inside and scores the match winner!! Knights will win! CONVERSION SUCCESSFUL Knights 34 Titans 26
Alan
Roar Guru
TRY KNIGHTS Knights 32 Titans 26
Alan
Roar Guru
Just over 12,000 fans in today. Are they about to witness a rare NRL win ??? 77' - Knights with a slender two point advantage. Titans will have one more chance I feel. Good set Newcastle. Ross caught on the last. Turnover. Knights 28 Titans 26
Alan
Roar Guru
Peter Mata'utia close to the line proves unstoppable as he gets on the end of a flat Hodkinson pass back on the inside before charging over the line to score! CONVERSION SUCCESSFUL Knights 28 Titans 26
Joe
Roar Rookie
Costly mistake with the attempted 40/20 from Roberts and Knights are in. They should wrap the game up from here. Exciting game to start off Saturday footy.
Alan
Roar Guru
TRY KNIGHTS Knights 26 Titans 26
Cadfael
Roar Guru
Moving off the mark. I remember when that was a penalty. I do think the Knights have well and truly got the rub of the green today.
Alan
Roar Guru
74' - Ball goes out on the full as Roberts' kick is a poor one! Knights on the attack. Biggest set of the match now! Knights 22 Titans 26
Alan
Roar Guru
71' - Ryan James leading by example today with 38 tackles and 15 hit-ups. Great effort. In the running for Origin this year. Titans skipper playing well. Flick ball to Taylor who knocks on with the Knights on the back foot! Knights 22 Titans 26
Alan
Roar Guru
Taylor having a superb game. 40/20 and three great kicks which have led to Titans tries. Hurrell with a double for being at the right place at the right time. Titans in front despite only have one man on the bench. This would be a great win for Henry... CONVERSION MISSED Knights 22 Titans 26
Alan
Roar Guru
69' - Taylor with a superb chip kick and Hurrell scores his second! TRY TITANS Knights 22 Titans 26
Joe
Roar Rookie
Can't believe the Titans are still in this game and ahead too. Ash Taylor is keeping them in this game. What a player!
Alan
Roar Guru
68' - Titans get the penalty for a strip I believe and they go right on the attack. Game right in the balance... Knights 22 Titans 22
Alan
Roar Guru
67' - Knights right on the attack. Game all square. Buhrer with a grubber and Elgey gathers possession for the Titans! Knights 22 Titans 22
Alan
Roar Guru
Taylor with a poor kick and its out on the full. He had time there as well! Big miss. Knights 22 Titans 22
Alan
Roar Guru
Ouch. Stone and Lamb clash heads. Lamb a sick boy as he goes off.. 64' - Titans on the attack. Knights with aggressive defence though and they force the Titans into touch! Knights 22 Titans 22
Alan
Roar Guru
63 ' - Knights with an error on the halfway and the Titans to get possession in good field position. Titans with only one man on the bench but they are giving it their all... Knights 22 Titans 22
Joe
Roar Rookie
What is wrong with Hurrell...again with the offload to a player who isn't ready to receive it. Luckily for him Knights knock on the play after he loses it.